Millennium EMS Solutions
November 2022
18-RRRC-08/19-RRRC-08/20-RRRC-08
Abstract
Management limits for petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) fractions were established to indicate concentrations where factors other than toxicity, such as aesthetics, mobile free-phase formation and explosion hazards may be of concern. Two sets of management limits for PHC fractions F2 and F3 are currently applicable in Alberta, one set in the Tier 1 guidelines document (AEP, 2022) applicable to all land uses, and one set specific to remote parts of the Green Area (ESRD, 2014). The existing management limits are based on consideration of a range of factors. This document examines the scientific basis for the management limits assessed for each of these factors, reports on additional research and analysis completed to refine the understanding of these factors and makes recommendations for updated F2 and F3 management limits.
The objective of this project is to re-examine the scientific basis for the current petroleum hydrocarbon fraction F2 and F3 management limits and, where appropriate, to develop revised management limits with a more robust scientific basis.